Expectations and barriers to the utilization of specialist palliative care services among persons living with cancer in Ghana: an exploratory qualitative study

ABSTRACT:

Background:

The need for palliative care among patients living with cancer is increasing globally. This need is far greater in resource-constrained settings like Ghana where there is a high unmet need for palliative care services. Consequently, there are lapses in the current palliative care regime, thus, resulting in suboptimal utilization.

Objective:

The study aims to explore patients living with cancer’s expectations of palliative care services and examine the barriers that impede palliative care utilization.

Design:

Descriptive exploratory qualitative design.

Methods:

A total of 15 patients living with cancer and receiving treatment in a tertiary health facility were purposively sampled to participate in this study. Semi-structured interviews were co

SUBMITTER:  

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10467251 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature